3

1.—4

No. 372.—Petition of Samuel Alexander, of the Thames. Petitioner prays for a reward for the discovery of the Thames Goldfield and introducing the first quartz-crushing machinery there. I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th September, 1894.

No. 636.—Petition of The Federated Gold-Miners' Association of the West Coast, South Island. Petitioners pray that a substantial reward may be granted to John Donnelly as the first discoverer of payable gold at Donnelly's Creek and Waimea Creek, on the West Coast, South Island. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st September, 1894.

No. 475.—Petition of Thomas Samuel and 201 Others, of Mokihinui. Petitioners state that one John Hussey has suffered considerable loss through the Westport Coal Company using Granity Creek in which to deposit coal and debris. They pray that the allegations contained in the petition should be inquired into, and relief granted to the said John Hussey. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 26th September, 1894.

No. 558. —Petition of J. J. Murphy. Petitioner prays for a reward for prospecting for and discovering gold at Gordon Gully. I am directed to report that the Committee, having duly considered the above petition, have no recommendation to make. 2nd .October, 1894.

No. 726.—Petition of J. J. Ardagh and 65 Others, of Maerewhenua. Petitioner prays for aid for the completion of the Mountain-Hut Water-race. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration. sth October, 1894.

Nos. 218 and 567.—Petitions of Thomas O'Bourke, and H. Marsden and 186 Others. Petitioners pray for assistance towards construction of water-races to promote mining industry. I am directed to report that this being a question of policy the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1894.

No. 739. —Petition of Patrick O'Brien and 5 Others. Petitioners pray for opening a track to the Wilberforce Eeefs, and refunding to the petitioners moneys expended by them on mining leases at Wilberforce. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1894.

No. 683.—Petition of Michael Marriner. Petitioner prays for compensation for the discovery of the Waitekauri and Waihi goldfields. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1894.

No. 744.—Petition of Joseph White and 56 Others. Petitioners pray that the Mining Districts Land Occupation Bill may not become law. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Waste Lands Committee, by whom the Bill is being considered. 17th October, 1894.

No. 616. —Petition of James Habgeeaves and 3,000 Others, on behalf of the West Coast Mining Eeform Association. Petitioners pray for aid in the development of the gold-mining industry. I am directed to report that, being a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1894.

No. 740. —Petition of Jambs O'Beien. Petitioner prays that he be allowed to claim compensation for injury to his land at Nelson Creek. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that the petitioner is entitled to compensation, and that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1894.